The best restaurants and bars in Bronzeville

Whoever you are, Pearl, thank you. You must be pretty special to have inspired this Creole-influenced soul-food restaurant in your name. We’ve learned the hard way to be patient with the long waits. But don’t worry: The fried chicken is so damn juicy and sealed in a crunchy, pepper-flecked exterior; the collard greens so tender and flavorful with pork bits; and the sweet-potato pie so fragrant with cinnamon and nutmeg (fluffy near the middle and caramelized where the filling meets the flaky crust) that we’d wait forever.

The father and son behind this rib house know a thing or two about barbecue—they hail from a part of Arkansas where smokers are more common than microwaves. Bring a hungry crew, stake out a table and order up a couple of slabs of meaty, tender spareribs, a whole mess of rib tips and a plate of hot links. If you’re still hungry after the main event, juicy smoked chicken and crispy catfish should round things out.

The Senegalese chef at this eatery uses slow methods of cooking mingled with the flavors of West African spices to make Old World, yet innovative, dishes. Signature entrées include mafé, a thick stew of lamb with ground peanuts and habanero peppers, and the succulent chicken yassa, grilled chicken that’s marinated in mustard powder, vinegar and lemon juice. But we’d move mountains for the dakhine, seared lamb shank with onions, tomato paste and peanut butter.

Don't let the bar layout of this restaurant dissuade you—your server will come out with a white tablecloth and set your table for dinner. Endulge by starting with zucchini fritti, fried and crunchy with a spicy sauce. For your entree, pick the lamb chops, tender and well-seasoned on top of garlicky mashed potatoes and sautéed spinach.

Tac's Cocktail Lounge is your quintessential neighborhood bar. Filled to the brim with locals, you'll find jazz groups playing on occasion, karaoke on Mondays and happy hour from 4–7pm Monday through Friday. Sit yourself down at the slot machine or get in line for darts—you'll fit right in.

For a quick lunch, Ain't She Sweet Cafe is your spot. With sandwiches, wraps, salads and smoothies to pick from, you can create your own or pick from their lineup. Our favorite? Da Steve, a croissant with turkey, turkey ham and turkey bacon with cheddar and pepper cheeses, LTO, mayo, mustard and giardiniera.

This large breakfast spot serves up all the usual components of the first meal of the day, with the salmon croquettes being among the most popular menu item. But grab the biscuit slider, or at least get a biscuit on the side, because this flaky, buttery gem is one you're going to want to savor.

This 25–and up bar has karaoke on Tuesday nights, but most evenings you'll find groups huddled around the large wooden bar listening to ‘90s R&B james. Belly up to the bar and grab your favorite drink (with a straw if you please) and settle in for the night.

With an American-Creole and Brazilian-inspired menu, Norman's Bistro offers up dishes like gumbo, cajun catfish and herb-roasted tilapia. Whatever you get, stick with the beans and rice on the side, with a not-so-subtle kick of Cajun spice.

Check out this Bronzeville darling to sit and enjoy a cup of coffee or snack on a scone. With ample tables and wi-fi available, find a spot to sit or sidle up to the bar and pick your favorite latte (the shop's specialty).